Abstract
Thallium is a highly toxic metal and is predominantly hosted by sulfides associated with low-temperature hydrothermal mineralization. Weathering and oxidation of sulfides generate acid drainage with a high concentration of thallium, posing a threat to surrounding environments. Thallium may also be incorporated into secondary sulfate minerals, which act as temporary storage for thallium. We present a state-of-the-art review on the formation mechanism of the secondary sulfate minerals from thallium mineralized areas and the varied roles these sulfate minerals play in Tl mobility. Up to 89 independent thallium minerals and four unnamed thallium minerals have been documented. These thallium minerals are dominated by Tl sulfosalts and limited to several sites. Occurrence, crystal chemistry, and Tl content of the secondary sulfate minerals indicate that Tl predominantly occurs as Tl(I) in K-bearing sulfate. Lanmuchangite acts as a transient source and sink of Tl for its water-soluble feature, whereas dorallcharite, Tl-voltaite, and Tl-jarosite act as the long term source and sink of Tl in the surface environments. Acid and/or ferric iron derived from the dissolution of sulfate minerals may increase the pyrite oxidation process and Tl release from Tl-bearing sulfides in the long term.
Highlights
Thallium (Tl) is a typical heavy metal element with high toxicity and is listed as a priority pollutant by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
This paper aims to summarize the thallium deposits and minerals and crystal chemistry, field occurrence, formation, and environmental significance of secondary sulfate minerals associated to Tl mineralization areas
Tl cycling constrained by secondary sulfate minerals will contribute new insights into the control of Tl pollution derived from Tl sulfide mining and processing
Summary
Thallium (Tl) is a typical heavy metal element with high toxicity and is listed as a priority pollutant by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Oxidation and dissolution of these Tl sulfide minerals, pyrite, will generate acid mine drainage (AMD) and mobilize large amounts of sequestered heavy metals. It raises concern about potential Tl exposure risk in the Tl mineralization areas. Microbial-mediated sulfide minerals oxidation is responsible for the generation of AMD, which is characterized by low pH value and high load of sulfate and trace metals. As it more abundantly occurs and has a higher S/metal molar ratio than other sulfides, pyrite acts as the predominant AMD producer. Tl cycling constrained by secondary sulfate minerals will contribute new insights into the control of Tl pollution derived from Tl sulfide mining and processing
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